SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern – Prelims, Mains & GE+Interview

SBI PO 2026

State Bank of IndiaGraduate hard

Prelims Pattern

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
English Language303020 min
Quantitative Aptitude353520 min
Reasoning Ability353520 min
Total10010060 min

Mains Pattern – Objective

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude456060 min
Data Analysis & Interpretation356045 min
General/Economy/Banking Awareness404035 min
English Language354040 min
Total Objective155200180 min

Mains – Descriptive Test

ComponentMarksTime
Letter Writing + Essay Writing5030 min

Group Exercise & Interview

ComponentMarks
Group Exercise (GE)20
Interview30
Total GE+Interview50

Final Merit Weightage

  • Mains (Objective + Descriptive): 75%
  • GE + Interview: 25%
  • Negative Marking: −0.25 marks per wrong answer in Prelims and Mains objective
  • Prelims is qualifying only – marks not counted in final merit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the Group Exercise in SBI PO?

The Group Exercise is a group discussion/activity conducted in groups of 10–12 candidates. A banking or current affairs topic is given; candidates are evaluated on communication, leadership, teamwork, and subject knowledge. It carries 20 marks.

Q.Is the Descriptive Test score included in the final merit?

Yes. The Descriptive Test (50 marks) score is included in Mains total (250 marks = 200 objective + 50 descriptive), which forms 75% of the final merit. Descriptive papers are evaluated only for candidates who qualify the Mains objective cutoff.

Q.Are sectional cutoffs applied in SBI PO Mains?

Yes. Sectional cutoffs apply in both Prelims and Mains. Candidates must score above the minimum marks in each section separately. Failing a section disqualifies even if total marks are above the overall cutoff.

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